Candidate Information 2024
Daniel Madnick - Town Council
As a Council Member I will lead by example and contribute to a collaborative environment through transparency, integrity, and trust. I believe that local government works efficiently and effectively when elected officials are cooperative and proactive. It is important to me that there is a respectful relationship between the Council and town staff for a cohesive town government. As current Vice Chair of the Planning Board, I have first-hand knowledge of how vital the relationship between the public body and staff is. As my top priority and a topic I will champion, it is imperative that we focus our efforts on the re-development of Wyoming. We cannot force development, but we can help it along by guiding developers along the process in line with the Comprehensive Community Plan. Development and keeping the rural character of Richmond do not have to be mutually exclusive and can happen in concert to the benefit of all Richmond residents.
Mark Reynolds - Town Council
As a Councilor I will ensure that the Town Charter and Comprehensive Community Plan are followed. I will strive to make the Council a collaborative group that works for the good of the town. I will look for ways to revitalize properties along Main Street in Wyoming and explore opportunities to improve the infrastructure. I will also look to assist the private development planned in Shannock. I will strive to maintain a high quality of life for residents of our town. I will work to protect historic, rural/forested, and agriculture areas from intensive development and commercial solar installations. I will support Chariho’s effort to improve educational facilities and programs for our students. Achieving these goals will help keep taxes stable and lessen the burden on residential taxpayers. I will insist upon ethical behavior and transparent decision-making. I will work to find solutions to issues with the input of residents, volunteer board members and staff.
Jim Palmisciano - Town Council
As a candidate for Richmond Town Council, my campaign platform focuses on smart economic growth, responsible governance, and collaborative leadership. Smart Economic Growth: We have an opportunity to rebrand Richmond and attract business given our strategic location as the gateway to southern Rhode Island. We need to execute on a strategic vision, working together as a council to mobilize available town, state and federal resources. Let’s target the development zones already highlighted in our comprehensive community plan to spur business growth, jobs, and drive commercial tax revenue. Responsible Governance: Simply put, the ethical, transparent, and accountable management of public affairs and resources by those in positions of authority. Collaborative Leadership: My style of leadership is one that emphasizes the importance of working together, sharing responsibility, and leveraging the diverse skills and perspectives of team members to achieve common goals. With 20+ years’ experience working for a Fortune 500 company, I will put this to use for our community.
Samantha Wilcox - Town Council
I lead with transparency, integrity and fact-based decision making. Currently, I am the only Democrat on a Republican-controlled council. Our bipartisan teamwork is responsible for steps towards revitalizing Main Street, receipt of a state funded educational opportunity, and continuing work on the roads that need improvement. I advocated for transparency and public input. Positive initiatives such as these encouraged me to seek a second term. I’ve maintained civil and respectful behavior during disagreements while being a strong voice against unethical, distracting, or disruptive behavior. Throughout my term, we witnessed my colleagues violate the Charter, hire business partners, hold secret meetings as elected officials in a “tri-town collaboration,” advocate for Town Councilors to have the right to speak at public forum, and advocate for tax breaks for vacation homes. My focus has remained and will remain on sustainable growth on Main Street, keeping Richmond rural, ensuring our tax dollars are invested wisely, and increasing transparency and civic engagement.
Jessica Purcell - School Committee
My goals are to prioritize students, value teachers and staff, collaborate with the community, and protect public education. I support career-tech education, hands-on learning, student-led initiatives, mental health support, athletic/extracurricular opportunities, and creative opportunities. In addition to comprehensive education, students and staff need safe facilities and strong emergency procedures. I work to address the dynamic challenges of our schools, students, and staff, which include the next stages of a Capital Improvement Plan to plan for the future, and address aging infrastructure. I supported new school construction with 76% state aid, which failed by only three votes in Richmond. I hope we can work together to make a plan for the elementary schools that includes space for preschool and alternative education, and continue to fund projects on the Main Campus through a $15M bond on the November ballot. Long-term planning will improve fiscal efficiency of maintenance and operation.
Karen Reynolds - School Committee
I believe that strong public schools build strong communities. My focus is first and foremost students. As a teacher, I see first-hand the issues students face. Maintaining student support systems is important for all of our students and families. Having a teachable class size is necessary for quality instruction and for optimal student learning, so I will advocate to maintain appropriate class sizes at all levels. I will continue to be a positive voice for students and taxpayers. I will ensure that taxpayer funds stay in Chariho public schools. I am committed to continuing to present fiscally responsible budgets to our community that ensure students are provided with excellent learning opportunities. The aging elementary schools are a serious concern, and I will continue to seek ways to modernize them and address ongoing facility issues. Finally, I see many benefits from extracurricular activities, so I will work hard to keep them in place for all students.
Megan Cotter - State Representative (District 39)
As your State Representative, I’m committed
to putting our community first. Whether it’s securing funds for local schools, improving healthcare access, or protecting our environment, I’m working hard to make a difference. Together, we can keep building a stronger, more connected future for our district.
Steve Moffitt - State Senator (District 34)
As a Hopkinton Town Councilor since 2020, I understand the intricate connections between state legislation and its effects on local towns. I will support policies that empower our towns to serve residents effectively, advocating for local education funding, and addressing environmental concerns.